Timberline Buys Summit Ski Area

posted by Brad Ford -

Jul 10, 2018

R.L.K. and Company, Operator of Timberline Lodge and Ski Area, has purchased the iconic Summit Ski Area in Government Camp, Oregon. Included in the sale is Snow Bunny, a snow play area and parking lot, approximately 1.5 miles east of Government Camp. Both Summit Ski Area and Snow Bunny will operate under a special use permit issued by the Mount Hood National Forest, USDA Forest Service.

Established in 1927, Summit Ski Area is the second oldest continuously operating ski area in the United States and the oldest ski area in the Pacific Northwest. In 1959 a T-bar was installed and in 1966 the present lodge was constructed. In 1980 the current 2,300 feet long chairlift was built, providing access to approximately 3.5 miles of trails. Summit’s base elevation is approximately 4,400 ft.

Jeff Kohnstamm, Timberline President and Area Operator, says, “We are very pleased with the acquisition and plan to operate Summit Ski Area as a family oriented, affordable, friendly mountain resort.” Kohnstamm sees Summit as a place to “break down the barriers to skiing and snowboarding surrounding accessibility and affordability“. With Portland’s population growing rapidly and more people visiting Mt. Hood, Timberline also views Summit Ski Area as an opportunity to help address public transportation and parking needs while having a greater connectivity to Government Camp.

In the short-term, R.L.K. and Company will roll out Summit with an updated brand and website. Summit will operate under its current footprint with ski and snowboard rentals, lessons, snow tubing, and an expanded food and beverage offering with some basic lodge upgrades to get ready for the upcoming ski season.

The long-term view for Summit includes exploring expanded product offerings for both summer and winter. “We look forward to an open-minded approach and discussing opportunities with the community," says Kohnstamm, “We will provide quality recreation within the capabilities of the ecosystem. It will be exciting to see what the future holds for Summit, Timberline, Government Camp and all who visit.”